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Editor: John Mortimer

Wednesday, 30 September 2015

Ricardo claims it has
demonstrated processes for evaluating the emission technologies of diesel cars
under the forthcoming Real Driving Emissions (RDE) regulations which aim to
ensure on-road compliance with published type approval data for fuel economy
and emissions.

Sunday, 27 September 2015

The past
week has been a topsy-turvy world for the vehicle industry: the self-savaging
of VW, Caterpillar’s 33-rolling months sales decline in the Far East and a dividend
award of £60 million for JCB’s chairman and family.

Tuesday, 22 September 2015

On a day when the fall in the share price of Volkswagen AG almost doubled and its plight continued to spiral downwards, the UK Society of
Motor Manufacturers and Traders has given a view about passenger car emissions
testing without passing comment one way or the other about the dilemma faced by Volkswagen Group in Germany, and possibly other automakers in Europe.

“The UK
automotive industry understands the concerns consumers may have following the
actions of one manufacturer in regard to emissions testing and the subsequent
decision to recall a large number of its cars. This is, however, an issue
affecting just one company and there is no evidence to suggest that any other
company is involved, let alone that this is an industry-wide issue.

“Consumers should be reassured that cars sold
in the UK must comply with strict European laws. All cars must complete a
standard emissions test, which, unlike in the US, is independently witnessed by
a government-appointed independent agency.

“On the separate on-going debate about real-world
testing, industry accepts that the current test method for cars is out of date
and is seeking agreement from the European Commission for a new emissions test
that embraces new testing technologies and which is more representative of
on-road conditions.”

UK Car
emissions testing

Why is it done? All cars sold in the UK have to undergo an official emissions test
under EU law. This is to ensure they meet the latest emissions standards, as
set by the European Commission, before they can be sold to the consumer.

The latest emissions standard is Euro-6 – and all
new cars registered in the EU from 1 September 2015 are required to meet this
standard. A range of emissions is tested, including carbon monoxide,
particulate matter, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

What is the test? It is a laboratory test, which ensures consistency and absolute
comparability from one vehicle to another. The vehicle is put onto a ‘rolling
road’ and fitted with equipment to measure emissions. The vehicle will then
perform a standardised drive cycle known as the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC)
– which contains set acceleration/deceleration levels, and replicates different
driving conditions.

If the vehicle emits levels of pollutants lower
than the limits set for the Euro-6 standard, it will receive a Euro-6 approval
certificate, meaning the vehicle can be sold.

What are the conditions of
the test? The test is carried out in a controlled temperature
of 20-30C, and the car must be calibrated to the specification as sold to the
customer.

All of the vehicle’s components must be present and
cannot be tampered with. For example, the alternator belt must be intact and
the brakes must function fully to pass testing. The vehicle will be checked to
ensure it has the same tyre pressures, fluid levels and components as it would
have on the road.

Who carries out the test? The test is carried out in a government-approved test facility, with a
government-appointed independent witness.

Who governs the test? The EU test operates in strict conditions and is witnessed by a
government-appointed independent approval agency. In the UK, this is the
Vehicle Certification Agency, which is responsible to the Department for
Transport.

How old is the test? The current test dates back to 1996.

What is the difference
between the EU test and the US test? In the US, the official tests are carried out by the manufacturer and
not witnessed by an independent third-party as they are in the EU. The results
are submitted to the US Environmental